Webber: Ricciardo chance good for F1

Mark Webber says that Daniel Ricciardo's move to Red Bull is a sign that talent can win out in F1

Mark Webber has said he feels Daniel Ricciardo's move to Red Bull for the 2014 F1 season is good for the sport, given his fellow Australian has earned the chance through talent rather than budget.

Ricciardo will step up from Toro Rosso for the new season to partner Sebastian Vettel when Webber makes the move to sportscar, having inked a deal to be part of Porsche's new LMP1 programme.

Speaking to Totalrace, Webber said he was pleased to see the 24-year-old given the chance in a top team and that it was a sign to young drivers that talent can win out.

"Daniel deserves the job, which is the most important thing," he said. "It is good to see talent appearing, rather than just a paying driver. It has become normal to see a driver getting a seat not because of talent, but because he can pay. That isn't a good thing for F1."

Webber added that there were two other young drivers on the grid who he felt were showing the potential to do big things in their career.

"[Bianchi] has done well and deserves a chance with a top ten in the future," he said. "It is not easy to race with a slow car, and I've been in that situation myself with Minardi.

"I'd also highlight Bottas, who hasn't had an easy life at Williams. He did a great job in Canada but he is almost alone in the team because while Maldonado has experience, I don't think Bottas can learn much from him."